“The election campaign starts automatically based on the resolution of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) on the appointment of early elections of the president of Ukraine on May 25. At its meeting on Monday the Central Election Commission will not make a statement on the start of the election campaign,” the Commission said on Monday, February 24.

According to preliminary estimates, the early presidential elections will cost 1.9 billion hryvnia (over $200 million).

February 22, the parliament adopted a resolution stating that President Viktor Yanukovych is stripped of his constitutional duties and appointing early presidential elections for May 25, 2014.

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Russian prime minister doubts legitimacy of some Ukrainian bodies of power

“The legitimacy of several bodies of power functioning there (in Ukraine) causes great doubts,” Russia’s prime minister stressed.

He also noted that the recall of Russian ambassador from Kiev means that it is unclear for Russian authorities, what is happening in Ukraine. “This (the recall of the ambassador) means, that we don’t understand what is happening in the country, and there is a threat to our interests, lives and wellbeing of our citizens,” Medvedev stated.

The prime minister added that Russia would be ready to resume cooperation with Ukraine as soon as new authorities based on Constitution would be formed.